Welcome to the web site for the Diocesan Ministry to the Incarcerated for the Diocese of Cleveland. We hope you will take a few minutes to browse through the contents of the web site. Countless men and women of our Diocese give their time and talent as ministers to the incarcerated, walking with inmates and their families through difficult times. Their hearts also hold in prayer the victims of crime and their families. It’s important to remember that each person’s story is unique and every story may not have a happy ending. But many do – lives that are changed through the power of God’s love and compassion.

If you are browsing this web site because you have a loved one who is incarcerated, there is hope! We invite you to attend one of our LEAF Ministry meetings where family members, much like yourself with an incarcerated loved one, share and support one another on this painful journey. If you are unable to attend, we pray that our good and gracious God will be ever present to you and your loved one during these difficult times.

– Sister Rita Mary Harwood
Secretary, Parish Life and Development

Mission Statement

The Ministry to the Incarcerated of the Diocese of Cleveland is a collaborative response to the Gospel: Matthew 25: “When I was in prison you visited me.” Called by the Holy Spirit, we extend the hope of reconciling love in our relationships with the offender, the victim and their families.

How Can I Get Involved?

Catholic Mass is not always available.

This ministry needs to be ecumenically sensitive and respectful of the diversity of our population: men, women, the mentally and physically challenged, those from various cultures, language groups, and races – African American, Hispanic, Eastern European, Arab, etc.

If you are interested in getting involved in ministry to those who are incarcerated, please call the Parish Life Office at (216) 696-6525, or (800) 869-6525, extension 3500. Please indicate your name, telephone number, the type of ministry you are interested in and your geographic location so that we can match you to a jail/prison in your area. We will then contact the coordinator in your area asking them to be in contact with you so that you can talk about the preparation and the possibilities for ministry.

For more information on volunteering and to watch a short video, go to the Volunteer tab above.